Iraq – Southern

At a Glance

Capital

Baghdad

Language

Arabic, Kurdish

Population

33.42 million ‎(2013 est)

GDP Total

$229.3 billion USD ‎(2013 est)

GDP Per Capita

$6,862.50 USD (2013 est)

Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Southern Iraq. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

Business visitors traveling to Southern Iraq may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

Attend business meetings

Attend conferences or conventions

Receive or facilitate training

Tour a company facility

Foreign nationals are eligible to conduct any and all business activities, professional activities, and work activities for under 10 days under an Entry Visa

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Iraq?

EU, Canadian, US and most other nationals require a visa to enter Southern Iraq to conduct business activities. Business visitors that require a visa must obtain an Entry Visa prior to travel from an Iraqi Consulate or Embassy.

Nationals from Israel are banned from entering Southern Iraq.

Working in Iraq

What sorts of activities require a work permit?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Iraqi law if performed for more than 10 days. This list is not comprehensive and many other professional activities are considered work in Southern Iraq, even if conducted for a short duration.

Hands-on technical work

Repairs and maintenance

Project planning or implementation

Marketing

Auditing

If I am traveling to Iraq for work, what type of work permit do I need?

Whether you require a work permit depends on your qualifications, whether your employer has an entity in Southern Iraq, and the nature of your work. The most common Iraqi work permit is the Residence Permit with Work Authorization (direct hire work permit).

The Office of Security Cooperation – Iraq (OSCI-I ) is an American entity in the American Embassy that serves as a coordination center for American and Iraqi military forces, and in some cases may offer a streamlined process for work authorization for companies with military contracts in Iraq.

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements?

There are no nationals who are exempt from the work permit requirement in Iraq.

Nationals from Israel are banned from entering Southern Iraq.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization eligibility entail careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.